Former rival names José Aldo as the toughest fight of his career: 'It took about ten years of my life'

José Aldo returned with victory in UFC 301. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Three-time challenger for the UFC featherweight belt (up to 65,7 kg), two times as a straight fighter and once as an interim fighter, Chad Mendes He is considered by many to be one of the best fighters to never win an Ultimate title. Much of the North American's failure has a first and last name: José Aldo, responsible for two of the three setbacks. The 'parish', however, does not prevent admiration.

In an interview with 'MMA Fighting', Chad Mendes tore praises to José Aldo and pointed to the Brazilian as responsible for the toughest fight of his career: the five-round war in the rematch at UFC 179, at Maracanãzinho, in Rio de Janeiro.

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“Aldo is an animal. I tell everyone that he was my toughest fight. Everyone always thinks it was Conor McGregor, but no. Aldo was another level. I think he took about ten years of my life. That night I came back to the hotel and I was urinating blood. This has never happened in any other fight. I was spoiled after that fight”, admitted Mendes.

So much time sharing the Octagon with José Aldo and chasing the Brazilian in the race for the top of the featherweight division made Chad Mendes nor be surprised by the Brazilian's return to the octagon in a dominant victory over Jonathan martinez after brief retirement.

“He’s an animal, man. I definitely wasn't surprised that he came back and completely dominated like that. I didn't even know he was going back to UFC 307. He doesn't need to. I think he has a real love for the thing. Honestly, I have it too, which is why I keep coming back. It's incredible. I always enjoy watching Aldo fight”, he concluded.

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